Hypertherm 45xp makes several attempt to start arc

[paulglasper]

Hi there, new to this forum and cnc mechanised cutting also.
I have a redline cnc table with THC and a hypertherm 45xp. Running mach3 software

I am experiencing an issue with when the torch goes to pierce it will sometime take more than 1 attempt (up to 5or 6) to establish an arc. These will have a maybe a 2 second delay between arc start attempts. I have a video I will try post. But basically Aslong as I have THC turned on the table still cuts fine as it won’t start moving until it knows there’s an arc. If I turn THC off it will just start moving after the pierce delay regardless if the arc is there or not.

I run book setting for cut and pierce heights/delays.
Happens on 2/4and 6mm mild steel than I’ve tried to far.
Using 45 amp cutting consumables and I’ve tried fitting brand new electrode and nozzle but didn’t change. Inlet air set to 90psi but tried higher and lower than this. Earth attatched directly to material.

Anyone able to help with this?

[weldguy]

Just came across this post today. Did you end up figuring out what this issue was?

[SeanP]

I used to get this happening a lot, still do a bit but not as often, not really sure what the cause is, seems to be on well used parts for me though.
I do have these settings ticked in mach, that seems to restrict it to 2 starts and then I clean electrode or a quick loosen and tighten of the retaining cap and off it goes again usually!!

[weldguy]

Great tip Sean, I was not aware of that feature